Electric in-mast furling vs. manual in-mast with an electric winch

[shimari]

I'm trying to determine if there is any reason to have electric in-mast furling verses manual in-mast furling with electric winches.

This isn't a thread that in-mast furling is terrible and you shouldn't use it. I'm just trying to understand the advantages (if any) of electric in-mast furling when I'll have electric winches.

Thanks!

[markvannote]

Originally Posted by shimari

I'm trying to determine if there is any reason to have electric in-mast furling verses manual in-mast furling with electric winches.

This isn't a thread that in-mast furling is terrible and you shouldn't use it. I'm just trying to understand the advantages (if any) of electric in-mast furling when I'll have electric winches.

Thanks!

I guess the question is if you have use for an electric winch beyond furling your main. An electric main furler is only good for that purpose where an electric winch could be used for many functions if you have the need. Mainsheet possibly? Getting you dinghy on your foredeck for passages?

That's the biggest difference I can think of.

Mark

[shimari]

Thanks Mark - that's my thought as well. Electric furling is just more cost and something extra that can break.

I wanted to make sure I wasn't missing some advantage.

[Zzmeyer]

If you need an electric winch to furl the main my guess is you could use the help with other functions. That would argue for the manual in-mast furling with an electric winch that you can use for multiple functions. Amel has lots of electric winches, all of which need maintenance. On the other hand, dedicated electric winches do make it easier.

[shimari]

Thanks! I'm definitely getting electric winches. I'm getting old!

I was wondering if electric in-mast was worth getting given I'll have the electric winches. I suspected not, and that seems to be the consensus.

[Scott Berg]

We have an electric main furler (Hood StoWay System) and find it works very well. Ours still requires manual out hauling while the motor can rotate the foil to set, and easily furls with the press of a button. Of course there is a manual crank override). On a boat our size, 60' 45t) it really helps; on smaller boats I'd opt for a simpler system

[chrisr]

we have electric in-mast furling, and LOVE IT

big advantage i see is that the electric system is built in, and operates via push button at the helm position. no need to run around setting up & tailing a winch...just lean over and push the appropriate button. especially good in squally or rainy conditions.

cheers,